Authorities in Kota Kinabalu will install CCTV cameras and increase scheduled operations to monitor crocodile activity in the city’s waterways following sightings in high-risk areas.
The move is part of a broader strategy by the Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu (DBKK) Crocodile Threat Management Committee, which has been conducting monitoring operations since early last year.
Kota Kinabalu Mayor, Dato’ Sri Dr Haji Sabin Samitah, who chairs the committee, said efforts to track and manage crocodile populations would be stepped up with quarterly monitoring operations and enhanced surveillance.
“CCTV cameras will be installed in key hotspot areas, alongside routine monitoring to track crocodile movements more effectively,” the committee said in a statement.
DBKK issued the statement following the sighting of a crocodile at the popular Tanjung Aru Beach several days ago.
Since its formation in January 2024, the committee has conducted two operations to monitor crocodile presence in Sungai Darau, Sungai Kalansanan, and other identified areas.
The latest surveillance was carried out in August last year after a crocodile was spotted near Tanjung Lipat beach, sparking concerns among locals.
Authorities said data from past operations indicated a stable population of crocodiles in Sungai Darau and near Bengkel Depoh, DBKK, which will be the focus of upcoming quarterly operations.
As part of precautionary steps, crocodile warning signs have been put up in high-risk areas, and research is underway to estimate the number of crocodiles in DBKK-supervised zones.
The public is urged to report any crocodile sightings immediately via emergency hotlines, including the National Emergency Hotline at 999, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) at 088-529222, the Kota Kinabalu Fire & Rescue at 088-210214 or 019-2445687, the Sabah Wildlife Department at 088-213502, and the Sabah Civil Defence Force at 088-232440.
Authorities say the new monitoring system, including scheduled patrols and CCTV, will allow faster responses to crocodile threats and improve safety in Kota Kinabalu’s coastal and river areas. – March 18, 2025
